I feel for you. I've gone through 3 or 4 in the last 10 years (different brands). As a teen when I ironed in the 60s mom always put distilled water in it. I don't remember it 'spitting' like they do now, but my mom used to put vinegar inside to get the gunk out. I bought a Rowenta a couple of months back (never had one before). I now use no water in it but just use the Best Press. I personally find the iron saga very frustrating...